writ of detinue

Definitions

WordNet 3.6

nwrit of detinuea writ ordering the release of goods that have been unlawfully detained

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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Writ of detinue(Law) one that lies against him who wrongfully detains goods or chattels delivered to him, or in possession, to recover the thing itself, or its value and damages, from the detainer. It is now in a great measure superseded by other remedies.